Happy KWANZAA
matunda ya kwanza, meaning "first fruits"
Kwanzaa for Kids
Brown Bobcats and Families
Kwanzaa is an African-American secular holiday (not religious) that is celebrated each year from December 26th to January 1st.
The seven days of festivities are filled with cultural activities, reflection, and recommitment to African-American values, principles and heritage. While Kwanzaa began as an African-American tradition in California in the 1960's, today, there are people all around the world who celebrate Kwanzaa to help strengthen connections to self, loved ones, community and their African heritage.
I hope you enjoy learning about Kwanzaa as much as I enjoyed creating this digital handout.
Happy Kwanzaa - Happy First Fruits
Respectfully,
Ms. Julie Von Berckefeldt
TK-6th School Counselor
WHAT IS KWANZAA?
DEEP DIVE INTO KWANZAA
History of Kwanzaa
- Kwanzaa is a secular holiday celebrating African-American culture
- It occurs for seven days each year from Dec. 26-Jan. 1st
- Each day one of the seven principles of Kwanzaa is focused on and can include organized activities: cultural celebrations, feasts, music, dance, poetry readings, reflections and recommitment
- Kwanzaa emerged during the civil rights movement in 1966 from PhD student and activist Maulana Karenga.
- Dr. Karenga created Kwanzaa to restore unity and empower black communities, while strengthening their connection to their African roots
- The name Kwanzaa comes from the Swahili phrase matunda ya kwanza, meaning "first fruits of the Harvest" - inspired in part by the "first fruits" celebration during Winter solstice in Southern Africa
Seven Principles for Seven Days of Kwanzaa
Seven principles for Seven Days of Kwanzaa:
- Principle 1: Umoja - Unity
- Principle 2: Kujichagulia - Self Determination
- Principle 3: Ujima - Collective Work and Responsibility
- Principle 4: Ujamaa - Cooperative Economics
- Principle 5: Nia - Purpose
- Principle 6: Kuumba - Creativity
- Principle 7: Imani - Faith
More Information
Symbols of the Kwanzaa:
- Mkeka (a mat where other symbols are placed
- Kinara (candle holder) with Mishumaa Saba (seven candles)
- Mazao (crops)
- Mahindi (corn) to represent the children celebrating
- Kikombe cha Umoja (unity cup) for commemorating and giving shukrani (thanks) to African Ancestors
- Zawadi (gifts).
Inspiration of Kwanzaa
Kwanzaa Fun for Kids
Food
- 21 Festive Kwanzaa Recipe Ideas to Try (parents/guardians section)
- Popular Foods
Brown Elementary School
K-6th School Counselor
(209) 565-0179
© 2021-2023 Julie Von Berckefeldt
Email: jvonberckefeldt@turlock.k12.ca.us
Website: https://www.turlock.k12.ca.us/brown
Location: Walter M Brown Elementary, Georgetown Avenue, Turlock, CA, USA
Phone: 209 634-7231
SOURCES
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